frontpage350road
Cyclerides.com Weekly Update
2/15/12
 
Greetings Riders,
 
Well, the widely anticipated Arizona Centennial Ride has now come and gone. It is always nice when something actually comes together as was planned or even exceeds expectations and this one certainly did. (There have been mega sign ups for the newsletter since the ride, so if you are new to the letter and missed the lead up information to this event, Click Here to get caught up.) After several months of planning with Mandi Wimmer, Deputy Director of the Centennial Commission and the ride committee, the AZ Centennial Ride finally took place this past Saturday and was a huge success. We are still working through the numbers, but the preliminary count is around 4500 people attended the event. Bob Kenneavy contacted me on Facebook and said that he took video of the entire ride from an overpass on I-10 and counted right at 3200 motorcycles in the video. That is a pretty good way to do it.
 
Whatever the actual number, if you were there, you would probably agree it is likely the most motorcycles and people that you have ever seen for one ride in this State. We had 2400 riders pre register, so I knew it was going to big, but when the first rider showed up at 7 AM for a 10 AM registration and a 2 PM ride, I knew it was going to be special. The idea behind the staging was to have everyone lined up on the street facing the direction we were going to leave. With my experience in the past, this is absolutely the best way to stage so that the line gets going smoothly and it allows for a smooth transition of all the bikes. Bringing this many bikes out of a parking lot can become a cluster pretty quick.
 
By the time we opened the street for parking at 10 AM, there were already over 200 bikes waiting to go to the street. Shortly after that time the flood gates opened and it was a solid stream of motorcycles heading in to stage for the next 3 hours. We were all running around moving signs as fast as possible and could barely keep up. By 11:00 we had reached capacity on our initial plan and were into our first contingency. By 12:30 PM we had filled up our 3rd contingency and were parking bikes in an area we hadn’t ever imagined we would be. Fortunately we had the space available to get everyone staged. It was hectic for a while, and we all got some exercise for sure. Things were moving so fast, I finally just got on the yellow bike to ride around and survey the next parking area and tried to stay one step ahead. But at the end of the day, it all turned out as good as could be expected with this many bikes coming all at once.
 
Riders were met at their bikes by a registration team to get them signed in and give wristbands. They were then asked to go to the Cyclerides Photo Gallery to get their T-Shirts and Pins if they had pre-registered. This kept the lines to a minimum while trying to accommodate 4500 people. Paul Yaffe and The Copper Chopper showed up band starting playing at 11 AM. This turned out to be the best weather day of the year reaching 80 degrees and sunny. We couldn’t have asked for better than that.
 
At 1:00 PM I got on stage to brief riders of our exit plan and the route, encouraging everyone to relax, don’t be in a hurry when leaving, to fully enjoy and receive this historic moment that they were about to embark on while soaking in this beautiful weather. I then reported that DPS had shared with me that there were only 2 motorcycles in Maricopa County that were not at Mesa Riverview for the ride that morning and suggested we go to them and ask them what the heck they were thinking. Always good to have a little levity at a time like this, but it didn’t seem to be that far from the truth.
 
At promptly 2 PM this historic ride commemorating the Arizona Centennial led by Dierks Bentley and Paul Yaffe on the Copper Chopper was underway and history was in the making for those who participated. I assume only the optimist’s chose to skip this one and wait for the Bi-Centennial ride in 2112. For me, I thought I would go for the sure thing. It seemed that moving 3200 motorcycles 16 miles went very smooth. It only took 60 minutes to fully empty the start location and took approximately 40 minutes to complete the ride.
 
Click Here for a picture of Dierks and Paul riding.
 
There were a couple of bikes that went down on the ride. Not sure of the circumstances, but there was one guy that went down and was originally reported as taken to the hospital in critical condition. The report the next day was that he had a concussion and some road rash and would be released that day. Glad to hear that. The other was a woman and the report that I got was that she had some road rash but not serious. Overall, that is very good for having that many bikes. Thanks to DPS for executing a safe ride. We all appreciate your efforts in making this happen.
 
After parading through downtown and making our way to Jefferson St. for parking, that was soon filled and the contingencies started there as well. Phoenix police did a great job of accommodating all of the bikes and eventually filled up Washington St. along with Jefferson and several side streets. Riders then went into Best Fest to enjoy the Centennial Celebrations ending this historic day for motorcycle riders State wide. I am still finding it hard to believe that the State actually used a motorcycle, the Copper Chopper as the mascot for the Centennial and the ride as a signature event to commemorate it. The motorcycle world has come a long way in the few years. I am proud to be a part of it.
 
After 18 months of touring the State, Sunday was the big day to give away the Copper Chopper. Seventeen monthly drawing winners lined the main stage and put their ticket in the copper helmet anxiously awaiting their name to be called. At 4:30 PM Governor Jan Brewer pulled the winning ticket for the Copper Chopper. A woman by the name of Shelly Rhode from Parker, AZ was the lucky winner. She reported that neither she nor her husband ride, but now own a very expensive and famous chopper. Shelly said that they intend to keep the motorcycle and learn to ride. Hmmm. Might want to keep Paul Yaffe’s number handy if that is going to be the case. Not only will it be a handful to ride, but the tax implications will be a little stiff as well probably totaling at least $30,000. But not a bad price for that bike. See Video of Drawing.
 
My guess it that we will all have a chance to buy that bike on E-Bay one of these days. We shall see. This will begin the second mystery of the Copper Chopper as we see what happens to it from here. I know the State would like to see it become a museum piece at some point. Stay tuned!
 
I would like to thank Mandi Wimmer, Deputy Director of the Centennial Commission for allowing me to be a part of organizing this ride. It was an honor to donate my time and experience to the State for this historic event. She did an awesome job of managing the entire event and putting together the team to help make it all happen. We were all thrilled to lend a hand. Thanks to the DPS, Mesa Police and City, Phoenix Police and City as well as the committee members and many others that had a part in this huge undertaking.
 
Thanks to Ed Leclere at Chester’s HD for providing Dierks bike and to Lori Healy of Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale for arranging Tim Hatrick’s bike from KMLE. And thanks to all of the Cyclerides.com readers that joined us for the event. I saw a lot of familiar faces that I haven’t seen for a while. Look forward to seeing you all again during Bike Week.
 
This whole ride was filmed from start to finish by Roy Garibaldi of the Positive Side and will be shown on TV 3 in early April. I will give you plenty of notice to get your DVR ready. I’ve seen all of the camera placements and this should be an awesome production. Watch the newsletter over the next few weeks for announcement of when this will air.
 
Pass this on to your friends who took the ride to sign up for the Cyclerides.com Weekly Update.
Click Here to Sign Up.
 
Photo and Video:
Photos by Rusty Childress of Main Event Imaging. He is a fantastic photographer. I’m sure you will enjoy these photos. Check back often as he will be adding many more photos over the next few days. Click Here to View.
Photos taken by Cyclerides.com. Click Here to View.
Video of the drawing of the Copper Chopper. Click Here to View.
 

 
Tidbits and Updates:
 
Save the Date!
I have been asked this question a lot lately, so here is the answer.
The Cyclerides.com Westgate Bike Night will begin on Thursday, March 29th and run every Thursday night until June 28th. 14 nights in all. Put it on your calendar. This should be a huge kick off for bike night. Click Here for the flyer to print off for your office.
 
Bruce Haffner Chopperguy.
This has nothing to do with motorcycles, but it is really good. Bruce Haffner has done a really cool Demo Reel of shots around Arizona from his helicopter to promote his Chopper Business. You can also click the Gallery tab for other video. Click Here to see his web page and click on the View Demo Reel link.

 
This Week
 
Saturday, February 18th
2nd Annual Lost Dutchman State Park Benefit Ride. All proceed benefit the Lost Dutchman State Park Directly. Registration from 9-11am at Superstition Harley-Davidson 2910 W. Apache Trail, Apache Junction AZ $15 Per person. $10 for party only. Live Music by Pat Roberts and the Heymakers. If you can't Make the Ride then Please jon us at the park for the Party! Help us keep this State Treasure Open for years to come. Registration and Park donation coming soon! If you wish to pre-register click here. The first 100 ride registrants receive a FREE RIDE T-Shirt!
 
Saturday, February 18th
Buddy Stubbs Anthem Hogs and Dogs. Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson invites you to eat, drink, ride and have fun! Head up to Anthem H-D on Saturday, February 18th, from 11am to 2pm, to take advantage of their incredible TIRE SPECIAL! Purchase a rear tire and get the front tire for just a $1. Yes, your read this right, visit anthemhd.com for all information and promotional details. Be sure to take part in the FREE food and drinks while you wait for your fresh treads to be mounted. Buddy Stubbs Anthem Harley-Davidson is located at 41715 N. 41st Dr. Anthem, AZ 05086.
 
Saturday, February 18th
Deputy Sheriff William Coleman Memorial Run. End of Watch: Sunday, January 8, 2012. Deputy Sheriff William Coleman was shot and killed while responding to a burglary call in Anthem at approximately 4:15 am. As he and another deputy arrived at the scene they encountered a male subject inside of a van at a medical building near the intersection of Anthem Way and Gavilan Peak Parkway. As they attempted to make contact with the man he opened fire on them with a rifle, striking Deputy Coleman below his vest. The suspect was killed by return gunfire from other deputies. William Coleman, the sheriff's deputy who died in the shootout, was a devoted father and friend who loved fishing, hunting and working, according to family members. Registration begins 8 AM at Eggs TC Diner located at 20856 E. Ocotillo Rd. in Queen Creek, AZ. End point Toby Keith’s Bar in Mesa Riverview. $20 per bike. $25 with passenger. All proceeds go to the family of William Coleman.
 
Saturday, February 18th
MMA Beach Party in New River at Roadrunner Bar. From Noon-5pm. $10.00 per person includes Lunch, free bike show, free tattoo contest and don't forget to wear your best. Hawaiian Shirt we give a trophy for that to. Live Music by the Brotherhood of Blues. For more information Call Cindy 623-695-5659
 
Sunday, February 19th
Statewide Biker Sunday. Everyone Welcome! Bring a friend! Starts at 10:34 am (get there early for coffee, cookies, and a seat!) New Hope Community Church - 251 N. Roosevelt St. in Chandler. (just East of the I-10 fwy, off of Chandler Blvd.). CMA presentation by Kiven Hardison, AZ State Rep. Hear Pastor Eli give a message that you wont soon forget! KLove will join us! Bring the kids, something for all ages! Praise and Worship by Evidence of Grace (aka Dan and the Chicks) Lunch provided by church after service! Homes available to stay Saturday night, please call if you would like to provide a home, or need one to stay in! For more information contact Kelly Hokit 480-369-3286
 
Sunday, February 19th
Cupid’s Ride. Benefitting Phoenix Children’s Hospital - Heart Center $25 Single - $35 Couple - Registration and breakfast: 9am at Chuck Franklin Law - 1920 E. University in Tempe. First 150 registered get ride T-Shirts and Goody Bag. Kick stands up at 10:00 am - Heading for Mammoth Steak House & Saloon - 4650 North Mammoth Mine Road in Apache Junction. Last stop / End Party : 910 Live - 910 N. McClintock Dr. in Tempe, AZ. Sinister Industries' Bike Show, People’s Choice Car Show, and Mark Brodie’s Celebrity Automotive Panel Auction. Whiskey Ranch BBQ; Pin up Pastries, Vendors, Live music, Raffles, 50/50 and more! Gate Admission: Adults-$10.00 / Children 11 – up $5.00 / 10 and Under FREE. For Sponsor or vendor information contact: Jules Elliott - 480-717-0626
 
Sunday, February 19th
Bikers Soar for Wildlife. This is the 7th year for this run and from the beginning this has been a well attended event. You might have seen my articles and photos about the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center in the past. If not, CLICK HERE for Photos and Story. This year the ride will begin and end at Skunk Creek Flats located at 27201 N. Black Canyon Hwy. Exit 219. Lunch, T-Shirt and Ride Pin to the first 200 riders. And of course you will get to see some of the animals you are riding for at the end of the ride. Registration from 8am - 9:00am (New ride route with more curves-approximately 110 miles) Music, Raffles, Prizes. Single Rider: $30.00 or Rider with Passenger: $35.00. More information, please call, 623-587-0139 or visit the website at www.azwildlifecenter.net.
 
Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale - OPEN AND READY TO ROCK & ROLL - New Ownership, New Management, New Attitude! This new dealership is on its way to being one-of-a-kind, providing a WORLD CLASS customer experience; part of the Go AZ Motorcycles family. Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale, WE SELL FUN! And here's some financing fun: 1% financing on all new 2011 Harley-Davidson® Motorcycles - approved credit only. Love is fun: 20% off in-stock STAMPER jewelry from the Ultra Collection, for that ultra fun loving special someone. Get some if you know what I mean! Restrictions apply, see dealer staff for details. While supplies last. HD of Scottsdale is located at 15600 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 408.905.1903.
 
Next Week
 
Wednesday, February 22nd
ABATE of Arizona is hosting Motorcycle Day at the Dome on Wednesday, February 22nd from 10am to 3pm. This event is to allow motorcyclists from across Arizona to meet their legislators and discuss issues that affect our rights to ride. Meeting place is the Senate Lawn located at 1700 W. Washington St. in Phoenix, AZ. Contact your legislatures and make appointments with them. Explain motorcycling issues to our representatives. Learn the legislative process.
 
Thursday, February 23rd
Chandler Harley-Davidson Women’s Garage Party. Do you know a woman interested in learning about motorcycles? She can learn more about the sport of riding at our women-only Garage Party. This is a FREE EVENT that offers fun, beginner information for women with limited – or even no – background with motorcycles. Forward this invitation to your female friend and tell her to join us for one night of fun workshops and festive activities during this event geared toward women who dream of riding, but just aren’t sure how to get started on their motorcycle journey. You must RSVP for this event. There is limited space. So gather your friends and get signed up today! For more information or to register, email chdmarketing@ridenow.com or call 480-496-6800.
 
Saturday, February 25th
Buddy Stubbs Classic Car & Bike Show. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is hosting a Classic Car and Motorcycle show at the dealership! Come by on Saturday, February 25th to enjoy amazing automobiles from a time gone by. If you would like to enter your classic car to custom motorcycle in the show simply email marketing@buddystubbs.com. Sweet cars, cool custom bikes, FREE food and drinks, what’s not to love? The event will run from 11AM - 3PM with prizes and trophies given away at 3PM. In addition to the already great festivities Buddy Stubbs H-D will be hosting live music by the 50’s rock band, Come Back Buddy! Of course there will be tours of Buddy’s Motorcycle Museum and more! We look forward to having everyone join us and feel free to call Phillip with any questions at (602) 971-3400. Buddy Stubbs Arizona Harley-Davidson is located at 13850 N. Cave Creek Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85022. Or, on the web at www.buddystubbshd.com.
 
Sunday, February 26th
Arrowhead Harley-Davidson presents Monopoly Sunday Fun Day Tournament. Who doesn’t love board games?!?  Arrowhead Harley-Davidson hosting a Sunday Fun Day on February 26th from 11 AM – 4 PM. There will be tables setup with four rounds of Monopoly going on at one time. After a specific set of time we will stop the games and have everyone count up their total amount of cash and assets. Gift cards and other merchandise will be given out for the winners and the rounds will continue on from there. Arrowhead HD will be offering FREE FOOD to the tournament participants.  They will also have raffle prizes and music going during the day.  RSVP for this event by calling the store at 623-247-5542. Arrowhead HD is located at 16130 N. Arrowhead Ftn. Ctr. Dr. in Peoria, AZ.
 
Upcoming Events
 
Friday and Saturday, March 2nd and 3rd
2nd Annual Checkered Flag Run. This is a unique event put on by Alan “A.P.” Powell that incorporates Motorcycles, NASCAR and Parties, all for one $25 ticket. The Checkered Flag Run is a weekend in Arizona hosted by Phoenix International Raceway, Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, and The Radisson Hotel. The weekend culminates with motorcycle rides to Phoenix International Raceway to watch NASCAR Drivers tear up the track at the Bashas Supermarkets 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series race, Saturday March 3rd, 2012. Here is the itinerary for the weekend:
Friday, March 2nd
Join us for the “Checkered Flag Run Kickstands Down Pre Bash” at Chandler Harley-Davidson, 12 pm – 4 pm. Free Food, Cold Drinks, & Bikini Bike Wash!
CFR Meet and Greet at Airia Night Club at Wildhorse Pass. Live performance by Honey Brown 6PM – 10PM.
Saturday, March 3rd
Checkered Flag Run at PIR. Bike Show and Entertainment 9AM – Noon. Bike Show first place is $2000 Cash. Race Time 1PM – 4PM. The 3 Amigos Tequila Leather/Lace Ball at Ovations Live! Show Room at Wild Horse Pass Hotel and Casino 9PM – 2AM.
One $25 ticket gets you into ALL of these events. Get your tickets Now!
 
Arizona Bike Week
March 28th – April 1st
The greatest motorcycle rally in the southwest, Arizona Bike Week, is just six weeks away!!
Arizona Bike Week kicks off with Pre-Rally Days and there'll be rides and events from one end of the Valley to the other. Pre-Rally Days run March 23rd through March 27th. All the best biker-friendly establishments will be participating in the festivities, guaranteeing to deliver a five day, non-stop celebration. Once you're good and revved up from pre-rally events, it's time to really get the party started!!
Cyclefest at WestWorld starts Wednesday, March 28th and you're not going to want to miss a minute of the excitement! Opening day of Cyclefest brings the Miss Arizona Bike Week Pageant. This annual event is always a crowd favorite, offering an array of sexy, biker hotties the chance to strut their stuff on stage, in hopes of being crowned Miss ABW 2012.
 
Nightly concerts in The HandleBar Saloon:
Wednesday, March 28th, we invite you to "Bang Your Head!" with Quiet Riot.
Thursday, March 29th, it's time to get dirty with Puddle of Mudd, presented by Paul Yaffe's Bagger Nation.
Friday, March 30th, you can "Roll with the Changes" to all the classic rock anthems of REO Speedwagon, presented by Buddy Stubbs Harley-Davidson.
Saturday, March 31st, straight off an acoustic tour and ready to get amped up for the bikers, it's Tesla, presented by Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale.
 
Just in case you were thinking of resting up on Sunday to get ready to go back to work, you'd better think again.  We've got a full day of not-to-be-missed events.  First, Arrowhead Harley-Davidson presents, some of our favorite Sons of Anarchy cast members, who will be stopping by to sign autographs and take pictures.  Opie and Lyla, that beloved bad boy star couple, will be leading a ride into the event and hanging out with us all afternoon. Then we'll be closing the party the same way we opened it, With a bang!! Stick around and watch TNT light up the stage with an AC/DC tribute that'll blow you away!!
 
All Cyclefest events and concerts are included with your general admission pass.  Go to www.azbikeweek.com for all the details. Arizona Bike Week's official event publication, the Guide to Ride, will be out by February 18th. You can pick up your FREE copy at any participating location.
 
Extras

Mid Week Updates will be made on the Cyclerides.com Facebook. New Easy to remember Facebook address. Go to Cyclerides.com Facebook. Over 3600 FANS! Take a look at all the new photos posted on the wall. If you are not on Facebook, you can still view the page, but you will not be able to post. There will be a link there for you to sign up for Facebook if you are inclined. Click the LIKE button!

RENTALS: 15% Off your next rental at Harley-Davidson of Scottsdale. Present this ad at time of reservation. We honor competitors offers. Renting Harley-Davidson Motorcycles from anyone other than a Harley-Davidson Authorized rentals dealer would be like renting a tuxedo from a clown store! HD of Scottsdale is located at 15600 N. Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 408.905.1903. www.hdofscottsdale.com

Watch this funny Bud Light commercial that trades an article of clothing for a Bud Light. Click Here to View.

Trask 2012 New Year Performance Special.
Thinking of new pipes, intake, cams or all of the above? Start your new year off right, come into Trask Performances premier dyno tuning center January 1st - 31st for a FREE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION (normally a $75 value). Our tuning experts will help you make your bike run the way you want it to. Arizona's premier performance and service center, Trask Performance! Located at 21601 N. 3rd Ave. in Phoenix, AZ. Call 623-879-8488 to make an appointment and Refer to this offer from Cyclerides.com.

This is a good example that there is no limit to stupidity. Bring the Pain compilation. Some of these hurt just to watch. Click Here to View

Here is a bonus video. This is a one minute video that will make you think. Click Here to View.
 
Video of the Week: Oh my gosh! This is a lucky couple. Check out this semi that crosses the median on ice covered road right at this car with a dash cam. Click Here to View. Click on the Video of the Week graphic on the page.
 
If you would like to sign up for the Cyclerides.com Weekly Update Click Here.

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com

All information in this newsletter is
Copyright © 2011 BDC Products, LLC.
Information may be used only with permission.
All rights reserved.